After this breaking out of the sun in the dear home in Camden Town, with respect to the money trouble, Aunt Leth's heart, as has been stated, fainted within her when Mr. Beeminster, introducing himself, said that he had called upon an inquiry of a serious nature. She mustered courage to say: "Is it anything about a debt? Is it anything about my husband?"
Mr. Beeminster stared at her, and answered: "No, not that I am aware of. The inquiry upon which I am engaged relates to Miss Farebrother—your niece—and her father."
A sigh of relief escaped Aunt Leth's bosom, and Mr. Beeminster stared the harder at her.
"Have you heard anything?" he asked. "Do you know what has occurred?"
"I do not understand you," she replied.
"Miss Farebrother has resided with you for—how long?"
"I cannot exactly say. For some time; since she left her father's house and came to us. But why do you question me?"
"You are not compelled to answer. It may be that you have something to conceal."
"I have nothing to conceal," said Aunt Leth indignantly.
"Or that, Miss Farebrother having got herself into trouble, it is your wish to screen her."